Carbine accuracy- Help

[hstedman]

My 1377 is finally accurate enough that it is at the point where it shoots exactly where it is aimed. This would be all fine and good except for the fact that the gun won't stay still even when I'm shooting off a rest in a prone position! My current setup is a 1377 with a carbine stock, long steel breech, and mounted UTG full size 4x32 ao scope. I would guess the gun is about 4-5 pounds, about the same as an unscoped Daisy 880, but I'm not sure. Anyway, I'm sure that the gun is potentially as accurate as my .22 marauder, and I have gotten ragged hole groups at 20 yards before, but I just can't hold the gun still. So i'm very happy with its potential accuracy, but i need to find a way to make it more stable in shooting off a rest.
Is the unstability due to the
light weight of the gun?
round pumper grip which it rests on?
heavy trigger pull?
lack of technique in the shooter?
anyway I'm currently getting dime to nickel sized 5 shot groups at 18 yards, which is very good, but I know this gun is capable of more. Also, will a longer 24" barrel from crosman help the gun to be more stable by moving the balance point?
Thanks

[breakfastchef]

When you say the gun won't 'stay still', do you mean you cannot keep it still in the rest when aiming? If so, I often have the same problem with 1377's in both the pistol and carbine form factor on an MTM rest. I think it is both weight and pump arm design. Over time, you make adjustments and learn when to pull the trigger. Try using a softer rest like a sandbag; something that conforms better to the pump handle. I stopped using the MTM for my carbines in favor of sandbags, rolled up blankets, etc. Sometimes I will support the stock similar to the way they do it in field target or when shooting a springer with my non-trigger arm/forearm under the stock with my hand on my shoulder. I don't know the name of that position.

[hstedman]

yeah what I mean is that I cannot hold the gun still enough to keep the center of the crosshairs from wandering around the target. I don't have a real shooting rest but I'll probably try a sandbag like you advised.

[Nightsniper52]

Besides having a good rest for the Gun,you need to Relax and get comfy behind the gun. If your Trigger is way to heavy then work on it to get it lighter,you could be pulling the shot with a heavy trigger.  And remember to breath!!!

[1377x]

i use a rolled up rag to help steady the pump arm
another big factor is when you are done pumping the arm muscles are still worked up.take a breather before taking your shot.it really does help!!!

[Cross Pistol Packer]

Longer barrel should help some,I have a very light rifle the Brocock Fox,had same problem,fitted one of those clamp to barrel Bi-pods on it,with the legs extended it stabilized cross hairs on target for standing shots.
Ray.

[pirouge]

I shoot a modified 1377 (1389) off of caldwell sandbags at 10m with a $10 crosman targetfinder scope, after a lot of practice, and I mean a lot, I shoot with in a dime at 10m, believe me, that's not where I started. There's more to target shooting than aiming, Most of  inaccuracy is because of the shooter, not the gun. It takes around 1,000 rds just for your gun to settle down and for you to be comfortable with it, this applies to firearms as well as A/G's, be patient, work on your technique and enjoy the experience, crosmans can deliver, if you do your part.

[Crosshairs]

Do you drink coffee before you shoot, are you holding your breath when pulling the trigger you must relax and concentrate make sure that trigger pull is smooth and crisp and practice alot. Try another gun and see if the same thing happens.
                                      Mike